Feb 13, 2018

(JTA) — Marty Allen, the veteran comedian who was part of the popular Allen and Rossi duo and was known for his catchphrase “Hello dere,” has died.

Allen died Monday in Las Vegas from complications of pneumonia at the age of 95. He is survived by his wife and performing partner of the last 30 years, Karon Kate Blackwell, who was with him when he died, his spokeswoman told The Associated Press.

His comedy career took off in the late 1950s and ’60s when he performed with Steve Rossi. The tandem appeared 44 times on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” including on the show with the second appearance by the Beatles on Feb. 16, 1964. They also appeared on “The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson” and “The Merv Griffin Show.” After parting in 1968, Allen and Rossi reunited for shows into the 1990s.

Allen made hundreds of television appearances, including in a dramatic role on the series “The Big Valley.” He also was a regular on “The Hollywood Squares” and made guest appearances on numerous game shows.

Allen “relied on his physical appearance to help the comedy,” wrote Lawrence J. Epstein in his book “The Haunted Smile: The Story of Jewish Comedians in America.” “Allen’s wild mane of hair, his squinting eyes, and his sad voice nasally delivering his trademark introduction ‘Hello dere’ all were part of his act.”

He and his wife performed comedy routines in Las Vegas and in other venues throughout the country until at least 2016.

Allen was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He served in Italy in the Army Air Corps during World War II, earning a Soldier’s Medal for bravery. He was predeceased by his first wife, Lorraine “Frenchy” Allen.